Meet Matt Homes, the former photo editor who transitioned into a cricket coach, famously molding England’s new explosive wicket-keeper batsman, Jamie Smith.
From Photo Editor to Cricket Coach
For years, Matt Homes, 58, dedicated himself to editing cricket photos for a photography agency. An avid club cricketer himself, he admired the flair of Ian Botham and the raw power of Viv Richards, whose images he found captivating.
Homes could never have predicted that his passion would lead him to develop a young talent whose own photos would soon grace sports pages worldwide. His career took a dramatic turn around the turn of the century when a company takeover prompted a professional shift.
Driven by his love for the game, Homes co-founded the In-Touch Cricket Academy for kids in Epsom, Surrey. This marked the beginning of his journey from behind a desk to the cricket pitch.
The Dawn of a Partnership
In 2008, Homes received an email that would change his life, and Jamie Smith’s. Jamie’s father, Lawrence, reached out, seeking one-on-one coaching for his 8-year-old son who was incredibly keen on cricket.
The only slot that worked for both families was 7 AM on Saturdays. For the next decade, this early morning ritual became fundamental. Jamie’s father would drive him to the academy and wait as Homes meticulously guided the young cricketer through a series of drills.
Cultivating a Modern Hitter
Homes’ coaching methods were a blend of classic techniques and contemporary power-hitting. From the age of 10 or 11, Jamie practiced modern strokes like sweeps, reverse sweeps, ramp shots, and power hitting, even running down the wicket at quick bowlers.
While some coaches might discourage playing the ball in the air, Homes embraced it. He believed in challenging players and keeping them engaged, especially in England where keeping kids interested was key. It was clear Jamie needed continuous challenges to thrive.
Smith’s Explosive Emergence
Jamie Smith, now 24, recently stunned the Indian attack in the Birmingham Test, scoring 184 and 88, peppered with 8 sixes and 30 fours. His audacious style, particularly his willingness to step out and hit over the bowler’s head, surprised many but not Homes.
Homes vividly recalls those quiet Saturday mornings when it was just him, Jamie, and his father in the empty indoor facility. The delightful sound of the bat connecting powerfully with the ball as Jamie danced down the track still echoes in his memory.
Many of Smith’s powerful shots in Birmingham were direct reflections of the “power hitting” sessions they shared, a testament to years of dedicated practice.
A Lasting Connection
Smith hasn’t forgotten his roots; his bat proudly sports the ‘In-Touch Cricket Academy’ logo. Whenever he’s home, he visits his alma mater, maintaining contact with Homes and other coaches.
Homes describes young Jamie as a “perfectionist” with “inner quiet self-belief.” He notes Smith’s incredible power, clear mind, and fascinating shot selection even at age eight. Smith, a humble lad from a strong family, has certainly surpassed expectations but never forgotten where he came from.
Bazball’s Perfect Fit
The “Bazball” philosophy under England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes aligns perfectly with Smith’s naturally aggressive style. Homes believes this environment allows Jamie to flourish “without any fear of failure.”
Homes dismisses the idea that Bazballers can’t defend, stating it’s simply the team’s chosen positive approach. When asked, as a former photo editor, what kind of cricket photo he’d prefer—a traditional bat-raise or a dynamic action shot—Homes quickly chooses the latter.
He’d pick a frame of Jamie leaping down the pitch to smash the ball over the bowler’s head, or one of him pulling it out of the ground for six. Moments like these, he notes, truly capture the essence of the player he helped shape.
